Central Chicago Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Chicago
Where to stay in Central Chicago
Magnificent Mile
Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Streeterville
Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Near North Side
Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Gold Coast
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.
Congress Plaza Hotel
We were so thankful for the bellman on duty Saturday morning who was very helpful in explaining get a bus card and what bus lines to look for. Our first night we had dinner in Raphael’s and the French Onion soup was delicious. The room was really hot when we arrived and we had to open the windows ...
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Overall a great place. My only issue was that they charged us for 3 nights of valet @82.00, but we only had a car there for one night.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Overall nice hotel great service
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Sentral Michigan Avenue
This is a very clean apartment with a beautiful view of the city. It was not even terribly expensive for what you get. There is plenty of room and it is not far from local events and attractions. I would definitely stay here again!
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Level Chicago – Old Town
Room was super clean. The view all the way down to the lake from balcony was nice.
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Perfect spot for everyone if you stay just for a couple days or couple weeks. The apartment is furnished with everything you might need and if you are out of something the store is just round the corner. And if you need any help just ask Nick. Thank you for always being courteous and ready to ...
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Popular places to visit
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Navy Pier
A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Millennium Park
One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Activities
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
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- Visit Arlington Heights
- Visit Burr Ridge
- Visit Brighton Park
- Visit Canaryville
- Visit Downtown Chicago
- Visit East Garfield Park
- Visit Gold Coast
- Visit Grace Abbott Homes
- Visit Grand Boulevard
- Visit Jackson Park Highlands
- Visit Jefferson Park
- Visit Logan Square
- Visit Magnificent Mile
- Visit Palmer Square
- Visit Portage Park
- Visit River North
- Visit Rogers Park
- Visit South Deering
- Visit South Loop
- Visit The Loop
- Visit West Loop
- Chicago Holidays
- Visit Chicago
- Cloud Gate
- Visit Countryside
- Daley Plaza
- Downtown Chicago Holidays
- Visit Elk Grove Village
- Visit Franklin Park
- Visit Melrose Park
- Millennium Park
- Visit Mount Greenwood
- Visit Schiller Park
- Visit Thornton Junction
- Visit Tinley Park
